Asked About Anti-Semitism, Trump Bragged About the Election Results

It should go without saying — The Donald is an egomaniac

Pres. Donald Trump is incapable of addressing the most basic problems of his presidency. After repeated questions and accusations in mid-February 2017 regarding his ties to Russia and his firing of disgraced National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Trump looked tired. Very low energy. Sad.

He couldn’t even muster the strength to spin a question about anti-Semitism with anything approaching his usual vitriol. On Feb. 15, 2017, Trump met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two discussed America’s relationship with Israel and answered questions from reporters.

Toward the end of a press conference, a Jewish reporter raised his hand and asked Trump a serious question about the Trump administration’s stance on anti-Semitism. Instead of answering the question, Trump rambled about his electoral victory — and claimed he’d end both crime and racism.

Someone spray painted swastikas and “Go Trump” in Yauch Park, Brooklyn. Vandals are tagging schools across the country with Neo-Nazi imagery. The New York Police Department said that hate crimes against Jews have almost doubled compared to the same period in 2016.

Throughout his campaign, Trump courted America’s white nationalists. His campaign ads verged on anti-Semitic propaganda. He retweeted white nationalists, gave prominent anti-Semite Stephen Bannon a seat on the National Security Council and left the Jews out of his official statement on the Holocaust.

People are understandably concerned. And so a Jewish reporter asked Trump about all this during the press conference with Netanyahu.

“Mr. President, since your election campaign and even after your victory, we’ve seen a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States,” the reporter asked. “And I wonder what you say to those among the Jewish community in the States and in Israel and maybe around the world, who believe and feel that your administration is playing with xenophobia and maybe racist tones.”

He added two questions about Israel’s West Bank settlements and the possibility of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Listen to Trump’s gloriously insulting answer.

“Well, I just want to say that we are, you know, very honored by the victory that we had,” Trump said. “Three hundred and six electoral college votes. [Actually, he got 304 votes — editor] We were not supposed to crack 220. You know that, right? There was no way to 221 but then they said there was no way to 270. And there’s tremendous enthusiasm out there.”

Trump had dodged the question. And he wasn’t done.

“I will say that we are going to have peace in this country. We are going to stop crime in this country. We are going to do everything in our power to stop long-simmering racism and every other thing that’s going on. Because a lot of bad things have been taking place over a long period of time. I think one of the reasons I won the election is because we have a very, very divided nation. Very divided. And, hopefully, I’ll be able to do something about that. And I — you know, something that was very important to me.”

It’s important to remember that Trump stoked the fires of division, not only during his campaign but during the entire Obama presidency. This is the man who led the birther conspiracy and repeatedly claimed America’s first black president was illegitimate.

After his rambling self-congratulations, Trump took a moment to remind everyone he can’t be racist because he’s got Jewish family members.

“As far as people, Jewish people, so many friends,” Trump said, making a delightfully horrid word salad. “A daughter, who happens to be here right now. A son-in-law and three beautiful grandchildren. I think you’re going to see a lot different United States of America over the next three, four or eight years. I think a lot of good things are happening and you’re going to see a lot of love. You’re going to see a lot of love, okay? Thank you.”

The reporter was polite. He asked a straightforward question bereft of any direct accusation. The president of the United States didn’t have the decency to address his very real concern. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to brag about his victory and talk about his Jewish friends and family.

Just another day of embarrassing spin and insecure posturing from the man America elected president.